Chiefs not sleeping on Vikings' offense in Week 5

Even though the Minnesota Vikings have just a 1-3 record this season, they still present an enormous challenge for the Kansas City Chiefs. That's especially true when it comes to Minnesota's offense. “Although their record doesn’t reflect it, I think this is probably the best offense that we’re going to play so far,” Chiefs S Justin […]

Charles Goldman — NFL Managing Editor

Oct 5, 2023 11:55 AM EDT

Even though the Minnesota Vikings have just a 1-3 record this season, they still present an enormous challenge for the Kansas City Chiefs. That's especially true when it comes to Minnesota's offense.

“Although their record doesn’t reflect it, I think this is probably the best offense that we’re going to play so far,” Chiefs S Justin Reid told KSHB-TV's Aaron Ladd.

Vikings QB Kirk Cousins probably isn't exactly scaring anyone, but his supporting cast is as good as they come in the NFL. He's also got that veteran wherewithal, and you know he's not going to make a lot of mistakes. That can be a scary prospect when combined with an elite cast of playmakers.

“He has playmakers all over the field," Chiefs S Mike Edwards told reporters on Wednesday. "You mentioned (Vikings WR) Justin Jefferson. He’s one of the best receivers in the game right now, so we’ve got to take away his explosive plays, we know what he likes to do. (We’ve) got to stop yards after the catch. Then receivers and playmakers he has around him, you have (Vikings TE) T.J. Hockenson a great tight end. They like to give him the ball, a good playmaker. (Vikings WR) Jordan Addison, a rookie, he is really explosive real fast, just guys like that all over the field. We’ve got to take them away and limit their explosive plays.”

The Chiefs' defense knows that there are going to be some times where the Vikings offense gets them. They just have to go about limiting the damage and ensuring that they limit Minnesota to moderate gains. That's especially true of WR Justin Jefferson, who was the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year last season after a league-leading 128 receptions for over 1,800 yards and nine total touchdowns.

“I mean it’s the NFL, like I said he’s one of the best receivers in the game," Edwards said. "It’s hard to stop him play-after-play. Like, I said we have to have everyone swarm to the ball and try to limit the explosive plays. If he gets a five-yard catch, you can’t turn five-yards into 60-yards. Like I said, stop the explosive gains, and we’ll be good.”

It's an easy thing to preach and say leading up to the game, but executing it will take a strong week of practice, film study and mindset come Sunday. It's not just about slowing down Jefferson either. With a playmaking threat like that, you have to be extra mindful of those complementary pieces like Addison, Hockenson, and even RB Alexander Mattison.